Transferring from Broward College with an A.S. degree

I'm about to complete my Associate of Science degree at Broward College and I'm planning to transfer to a four-year university. What should I know about the transfer process, and which universities are most receptive to Broward credits?

Congratulations on nearing completion of your A.S. degree! First, the factors that four-year universities consider during the transfer process typically include your academic performance at your current institution, your intended major at the four-year school, and sometimes your high school academic record.

One distinctive point to remember is that an A.S. degree is career-focused and its credits may not transfer as easily towards bachelor's degree requirements as an Associate of Arts (A.A.) degree would. Generally, A.S. degrees are designed to prepare students for immediate workforce entry, while A.A. degrees are considered “university-parallel” degrees intended for students who plan to transfer.

That being said, many universities often appreciate the practical skills and qualities that A.S. degree holders bring to their institutions. The extent to which your Broward College credits will transfer can depend on a variety of factors like course equivalency, grades, and the specific program or 4-year institution you're interested in.

Florida’s State University System is particularly receptive to transfer students, due to a statewide agreement. If you've earned your A.S. degree from Broward College (or any Florida community college), you're guaranteed admission to a state university in Florida, although not necessarily to the university or program of your choice. You could check if your program at Broward College has an articulation agreement with any 4-year university you're considering.

You can also check online resources like CollegeTransfer.net to find schools that have established transfer equivalencies for Broward College courses. Do your diligence by speaking to academic advisors both at Broward College and at your prospective transfer schools, as they can provide personalized guidance based on your academic record and goals.

Keep in mind the application deadlines for the universities you're considering and ensure you take care of all necessary components like transcripts, recommendation letters (if required), and personal statements (if needed).

Remember, each university will have its specific transfer application process, so it's recommended to start early and communicate regularly with your current and prospective academic advisors to stay on track. Good luck with your transfer process!